Mexico: Riviera Maya- Tulum

If you are staying on the Yucatan Peninsula between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, visiting an ancient archaeological site should be a top priority. Although Chichen Itza is probably the first ruins location to pop into your head, I highly recommend visiting Tulum.

Tulum is located on the East coast of Mexico, about fifty minutes south of Playa Del Carmen in Quintana Roo. Tulum means fence or wall, fitting to the wall that protects the jungle side of the city. The back side is protected by the ocean, with Templo Dios del Viento (God of Winds Temple) protecting Tulum's sea entrance.

Once you have decided to check out Tulum, arrange for a taxi to pick you up from your airport early in the morning. Although the ruins are open 8 am to 5 pm everyday, the mild temperatures in the morning and small crowns will make for a much more enjoyable trip. Be sure that you understand your cab driver's fares and try to befriend them, currently the exchange rate is 1 Mexican Peso to .08 US Dollars. Wear a swimsuit under your clothing and bring plenty of sunscreen along with a hat and sunglasses; there is little shade on the beach of Tulum and around the buildings.

When you arrive at the site, you will need to walk about a half a mile to the actual entrance where you pay your fee. Along your walk you will find what looks to be five death-defying acrobats swinging from a blue pole. These men are performing a ceremonial ritual in which they climb this pole and then descend with ropes tied to their feet so they spin around the pole. They eventually touch the ground as the ropes unwind, and donations for their performance are always appreciated. 

The entrance fee to Tulum is 38 pesos per person( about 3 dollars), with a 30 peso addition for video cameras. Children 13 and under are free, so bring the kids along too!

Inside the site you will find magnificent stone buildings and architecture similar to Chichen Itza but on a smaller scale. The beach sitting just a stairwell below the ruins is the most spectacular of views, with clear turquoise water. Unfortunately, this beach can get crowded so you may want to go swimming somewhere else afterwards. After a half-day exploring, the best way to end your excursion is with a Coca-Cola by the pool.